10 Easy Weekend Getaways From New York City

Summer in the New York City can mean cool cocktails on a Manhattan rooftop, or breezy walks along the Brooklyn waterfront. But it can also mean sticky subway stations and flocks of tourists. The happy medium: Leave the crowds behind come Friday and swap views of the Hudson for a weekend trip to the beach or country. You can see these easy, awe-inspiring destinations in two days—and they’re all less than five hours from NYC.
This gallery has been updated with new information.

Newport, Rhode Island

Rows of historic manses, seaside cliffs jetting into the Atlantic, and a downtown that balances classic clam shacks with upscale takes on seafood, Newport embodies old school summer fun—there’s even an arcade downtown for rainy days. Now, thanks to Hamptons iconic Gurney's opening it’s second location—Gurney’s Newport—on Goat Island, you can add lounging poolside in a daybed and sipping Lobster Pink Smashes at it’s outdoor restaurant, The Pineapple Club to that list. Does the season get any better? ~3.5 hour drive from New York

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Charleston, South Carolina

America’s favorite small city has enough to keep travelers within city limits: elevated, low-country cooking at eateries like world renowned Husk; walking tours that bring the Southern city’s history to life; a scenic waterfront worth strolling. A stay at The Dewberry, a new design centric hotel puts you within walking distance from nearly all of the city’s must-try restaurants—but summer visitors would be remiss to skip nearby beach-y haunts like Isle of Palms, just 12 miles from downtown; or Kiawah, a barrier island rich in golf courses and tidal beaches. ~2 hour, 10 minute flight from New York

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Woodstock, Vermont

One of America's most beautiful towns, Woodstock is often considered a ski destination due to its close proximity to Killington Resort. But warmer weather brings hikes along the Appalachian Trail in Marsh-Billings National Historic Park (dotted with sugar maples and covered bridges); and fly-fishing in quiet ponds of rainbow and brook trout. Relax in white Adirondacks outside the historic and recently-renovated Woodstock Inn & Resort, and eat farm-to-table style at The Prince & The Pauper in town. ~4-hour and 45 minute drive from New York City.

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Bermuda

Book a Friday night flight to this British island and you’ll spend less time in transit and more time diving shipwrecks, browsing waterfront shops, and teeing off on golf courses with stunning views. Summertime also brings celebrations like the cricket competition Cup Match, and Non-Mariners Race—a day of boats, rafts, and music. Stay at a classic like the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, set on turquoise waters or check out the new The Loren at Pink Beach. Don’t leave without a fish sandwich from Woody’s. ~2-hour flight from New York City.

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Martha's Vineyard

Lose Nantucket-by-way-of-Manhattan crowds and cruise to the western side of Massachusetts’ beloved Martha’s Vineyard. At Lobsterville Beach—two miles of calm Vineyard Sound sand—you can ride the tiny “Bike Ferry” to the fishing village of Menemsha (where parts of Jaws were filmed), stroll the docks, and munch on seafood classics at Home Port. Stop for a slice of pizza at Chilmark General Store on your way to the Outermost Inn, a property high atop the Vineyard’s western red clay cliffs where you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better sunset. ~4.5 hour ferry from New York City.

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Shelter Island, New York

New Yorkers looking to escape city limits will find solace on Shelter island, nestled between Long Island’s ritzy South Fork and wine-focused North Fork. It’ll be hard to leave The Chequit, where whitewashed decor meets homey details, like a sprawling front porch with harbor views. If you do, walk the Mashomack Nature Preserve—filled with hiking trails, osprey, and salt marshes. Then people-watch with a cocktail at the Bar at Sunset Beach, a bustling roadside spot with seaside dining. ~3-hours via the Long Island Railroad (Penn Station to Greenport) and ferry.

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Bar Harbor, Maine

Trade city sidewalks for granite peaks, jagged coastlines, and sweeping views of the Atlantic at Acadia National Park. It’s long been reported that this is the first place in the country to see the sun rise, inching over Cadillac Mountain—the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard. Camp in what is one of the smallest—but most popular—National Parks, or stay Harborside Hotel. The seaside spot has a cozy feel (there a usually a fire lit in the lobby— it still can get chilly in Maine at night.) While you're there, try a fresh Maine lobster on the deck of Beal’s, a working lobster and fishing pier. ~1-hour 40 minute flight to Bangor and a 1-hour drive.

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Annapolis, Maryland

Reach the charming seaside town of Annapolis—home to the Naval Academy—by bus, Amtrak, or plane, and be greeted with an Instagram-worthy boater’s paradise. Learn to sail at a local sailing school, book a sunset cruise, or explore the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, where scientists study the Chesapeake Bay. The Annapolis Waterfront Hotel—part of the Autograph Collection—has a maritime feel and a city location. When you're hungry, crab cakes from O’Learys are a must. ~3.5-hour drive from New York City; 4-hour train ride; 1.5-hour flight to Washington D.C., 45-minute drive.

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Toronto Islands

Board in Manhattan, de-plane in one of Canada’s quirkiest locales. The Toronto Islands—Centre, Ward’s, and Algonquin—are about a 10-minute ferry ride from downtown and will satisfy your seaside fix. Book the “Escape the City” trip from the Culinary Adventure Co. and picnic on the islands after paddling over. While you're there, tour English-style gardens and the haunted Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, or spend the afternoon at Centreville Amusement Park. Stay in the heart of the city at the Four Seasons Toronto—a glass tower high above shops and restaurants, offering vantage points of it all. ~1.5-hour flight from New York City

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Asbury Park, New Jersey

If your ideal summer afternoon involves a cool music scene, antiquing, and a boardwalk dotted with seaside shops, you'll love Asbury Park. The historic shore town is home to the Stone Pony, a grungy-but-cool venue where Bruce Springsteen made a name for himself. Take in a show on the town's summer stage, grab a bite with ocean views at Watermark, and score one-of-a-kind finds from the Antique Emporium. Drop your bags at The Asbury Hotel, the brainchild of And a Andrei (the former design guru to Ian Schraeger) and SALT Hotels co-founder David Bowdwhich, which opened last spring. Bonus: It has a pool. ~1.5-hours from New York City, Seastreak Ferry to Highlands, NJ, then taxi to Asbury Park.